Cardioprotective effects of a ruthenium (II) Schiff base complex in diet-induced prediabetic rats.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Prediabetes and the onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are strongly related. Prolonged hyperglycemia has been identified as a major contributing factor in the pathogenesis of CVD and diabetic complications. The management of hyperglycemia and prediabetes-associated vascular complications rely on pharmacotherapy and lifestyle intervention strategies. However, patients still take the conventional drugs and neglect lifestyle intervention; therefore, newer alternative drugs are required. The synthesized ruthenium Schiff base complex has been shown to have elevated biological and antidiabetic activity. Thus, the research investigated the cardio-protective effects of ruthenium (II) Schiff base complex in diet-induced prediabetic (PD) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The rats were randomly allocated to respective groups and treated for 12 weeks. Ruthenium (15 mg/kg) was administered to PD rats once a day every third day. Blood pressure and plasma glucose were monitored throughout the study. Blood and heart tissue were collected for biochemical assays.

RESULTS:

Ruthenium complex with dietary intervention lead to reduced mean arterial blood pressure which correlated with a restored heart to body weight ratio. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in tissue malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase concentration in both the plasma and heart tissue. Furthermore, there was a decrease in plasma triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein with an increased high-density lipoprotein concentration in ruthenium-treated rats. This was further evidenced by reduced plasma tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and cardiac C-reactive protein concentrations in ruthenium-treated rats.

CONCLUSION:

Ruthenium coupled with dietary intervention decreased the risk of developing cardiac injury, thus preventing CVD in prediabetes. Therefore, this complex may be a beneficial therapeutic agent in the prevention of PD cardiovascular complications.

• Authors: Lindokuhle Patience Mabuza, Mlindeli Wilkinson Gamede, Sanam Maikoo, Irvin Noel Booysen, Phikelelani Siphosethu Ngubane, Andile Khathi
• Journal: Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy (Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes) Vol. 12 Pg. 217-223 ( 2019) ISSN: 1178-7007 [Print] New Zealand
• PMID: 30858714 (Publication Type: Journal Article)